Frank Van Der Wel Eruptions

Low ominous rumblings give way to very Jarre-like sequencer-infused passages, and 'Eruptions' is off and running. Simply entitled 'Eruptions Parts 1- 7,' in a fairly plain CDR package, the emphasis is on the high-energy music. After a few minutes of pure sequencing, classic synth lead lines develop. The stereo separation is particularly pronounced, a nice effect even on my PC speakers. An obligatory key change eight minutes in keeps things interesting, with more synth soloing. Nothing new or original here, but very good electronic music just the same. 'Part 1' continues at full steam ahead until the last of its thirteen minutes, finally dropping off into assorted outer space bleeps and atmospherics. Though the titles suggest otherwise, each track is set apart.

'Part 2' plays tricks with the head if you sit dead centre between your speakers – a strong headphone effect without the phones. This is again a spot-on Jarre impersonation, with Tangerine Dream influences around the Schmoelling era just for good measure. This is a more midtempo piece, still energetic but not quite as much as the first. This is my favourite EM style, full of all-out electronics with lots of sequencing and just enough melody to hold the cool sounds together. Van Der Wel knows the formula to give fans what they want, and he doesn't stray from it much. A sequence, some synth pads for atmospheres, and electronic solos. Sounds stay almost exclusively in the electronic realm, though 'Part 3' does have a more traditional arrangement, with drums, piano, and plucked guitar strings. After quite a bit of rhythm, 'Part 4' stretches out and languishes in very cool, dark atmospherics for awhile, but it doesn't take long before we're off and running again. Vintage synth leads are very Schulze-like here.